Cholesterol is an essential substance found in the bloodstream and within each individual cell of the body. Cholesterol helps transport body fat to the areas where it's needed in order for your body to function properly. Cholesterol is necessary for enabling the transport of nutrients into the body and letting wastes out.

Sources of Cholesterol

Your body typically produces the cholesterol it needs on its own. According to the American Heart Association, approximately 75 percent of blood cholesterol is created by the body, and about 25 percent is determined by individual diet.

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL)

One kind of cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), often referred to as "good cholesterol," helps unclog your blood vessels. HDL tends to carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it's passed from the body.

High Fatty Foods and High Cholesterol

If you eat a lot of fatty foods, cholesterol can become problematic. Certain foods are higher in saturated fats, such as whole milk and red meat. Foods from animals contain cholesterol. Foods derived from plants, like fruits, vegetables and nuts do not contain cholesterol. Keeping the dietary intake of high saturated fats to a minimum can keep the dietary cholesterol intake balanced.

Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL)

When the body develops too much cholesterol, a type of fat called low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad cholesterol" increases. This is the fat that clogs up your blood vessels, which subsequently increases the risk of stroke and heart disease, often leading to heart attacks.

Recommendations

Some excess dietary cholesterol is removed from the body through the liver. However, the American Heart Association recommends limiting daily dietary cholesterol intake to less than 300 milligrams. For anyone at risk for heart disease or having a history of heart disease, daily intake should be limited to less than 200 milligrams.

Source:

What Is Cholesterol?

Why Is Cholesterol Needed?

American Heart Association/Cholesterol